Syracuse, NY -- The question is how long will Syracuse University senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones be out following surgery next week to repair a torn pectoral muscle? Syracuse University's office of athletic communication said Wednesday it did not have information available about the recovery period. Stories involving other athletes with the injury indicate the rehabilitation period following such a procedure is four to six months. Syracuse's 2009 opener against Minnesota is about six months out.

The school announced Tuesday night around 8 that the all-Big East Conference player had suffered the injury on Monday and would require surgery next week. The swift manner in which the school released the information is a reflection of new head coach Doug Marrone and his philosophy to share.

This particular injury may be rare but not new around the Orange football team. In 2001, Syracuse University middle linebacker Clifton Smith tore his pectoral muscle in the season opener against Georgia Tech. Amazingly, Smith managed to play through the injury and through the remainder of the season despite a complete loss of strength on one side of his chest. Smith ultimately had surgery after the season. However, following his senior season in 2002, Smith went undrafted despite leading the Big East Conference in tackles with 137.

As I searched online this morning for information about the injury, I learned it's happened to quite a few football players including Junior Seau when he was with the Dolphins. I also ran across quite a few body building links and forums that dealt with the injury. Michael Elias is Editor-In-Chief of FAME Magazine and a body builder who suffered a torn pectoral muscle. He chronicles his injury and recovery in pretty graphic detail if you're interested.